Spiritual Passover - Pseudo Chrysostom

The Passover we celebrate brings salvation to the whole human race beginning with the first man, who together with all the others is saved and given life.

In an imperfect and transitory way, the types and images of the past prefigured the perfect and eternal reality which has now been revealed. The presence of what is represented makes the symbol obsolete: when the king appears in person no one pays reverence to his statue.

How far the symbol falls short of the reality is seen from the fact that the symbolic Passover celebrated the brief life of the firstborn of the Jews, whereas the real Passover celebrates the eternal life of all mankind. It is a small gain to escape death for a short time, only to die soon afterward; it is a very different thing to escape death altogether as we do through the sacrifice of Christ, our Passover.

Correctly understood, its very name shows why this is our greatest feast. It is called the Passover because, when he was striking down the firstborn, the destroying angel passed over the houses of the Hebrews, but it is even more true to say that he passes over us, for he does so once and for all when we are raised up by Christ to eternal life.

If we think only of the true Passover and ask why it is that the time of the Passover and the salvation of the firstborn is taken to be the beginning of the year, the answer must surely be that the sacrifice of the true Passover is for us the beginning of eternal life. Because it revolves in cycles and never comes to an end, the year is a symbol of eternity.

Christ, the sacrifice that was offered up for us, is the father of the world to come. He puts an end to our former life, and through the regenerating waters of baptism in which we imitate his death and resurrection, he gives us the beginning of a new life. The knowledge that Christ is the Passover lamb who was sacrificed for us should make us regard the moment of his immolation as the beginning of our own lives. As far as we are concerned, Christ’s immolation on our behalf takes place when we become aware of this grace and understand the life conferred on us by this sacrifice. Having once understood it, we should enter upon this new life with all eagerness and never return to the old one, which is now at an end. As Scripture says: We have died to sin – how then can we continue to live in it?

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"I Believe" - The Heart of Catholic Faith

by: Marcellino D'Ambrosio, Ph.D.

Have you ever looked for a joyful, confident proclamation of the Easter faith of the Church? How about an explanation of the events of Holy Week and Easter that answers touch questions like:

Why did Jesus have to die?

Why does the creed say "he descended into hell?"

What was Jesus' risen body like? What will ours be like?

How is Christian faith different from just "believing in God?"

In this dynamic, four-part series on the Creed, Dr. D'Ambrosio will not only strengthen your Easter faith, but will give you the tools to explain and defend it.

"I Believe" follows the outline of the Nicene Creed, but don't be mistaken--it is far from a stodgy or academic presentation of tenets and beliefs! Full of enlightening metaphors and colorful anecdotes, "I Believe" leads its audience not only to clearer understanding of the faith, but a deeper love relationship with God the Father, Son, and Spirit. "I Believe," available in either audio or video format, is perfect either for teens or adults, for individual study, or use by RCIA/Adult Faith sharing groups.

Come to the Table - Meredith GouldCome to the Table is for anyone seeking to integrate the traditions of Judaism and Christianity. Interfaith families will find it an especially useful companion during Passover and Holy Week.